Initially ordered by an English client, a 3000 m3 trailing suction hopper dredger (TSHD) has now been launched for De Hoop Terneuzen BV. De Hoop signed a contract for the vessel after Barkmeijer Shipyards was taken over by Thecla Bodewes Shipyards.
In October 2018, Barkmeijer Stroobos BV went bankrupt leaving two unfinished TSHDs at the yard. After being taken over by Thecla Bodewes Shipyards, De Hoop Terneuzen BV signed a contract for the first TSHD. De Hoop Terneuzen is a total supplier of products and services for the construction industry. The launch took place on Wednesday 24 April.
Diesel-electric Dredger
The dredger, with construction number 347, is built for the extraction of sand and gravel at sea. The dredger can load a maximum of 3000 m3 , has a length of 105.90 metres, a width of 15.85 metres and a draught of 6.94 metres. On board there is accommodation for 14 people.
The TSHD will be equipped with diesel-electric propulsion to efficiently regulate the energy supply for sailing, dredging and unloading. The application of this installation will greatly reduce energy consumption and, therefore, emissions.
Unloading Dry Cargo
The sand or gravel will be sucked from the North Sea seabed by means of a suction tube. A submersible pump has been incorporated into the suction tube for this purpose. The pump presses the sand/water or gravel/water mixture into the hopper. During the journey to the port of discharge, the water is pumped out of the sand or gravel. When arriving at the port of discharge, the load is dry and can be unloaded as such. Unloading takes place by means of the unloading trolley with grab installed on board.
Completion of construction number 347 is planned for March 2020, after which the christening will also take place. The second dredger, with construction number 348, is also currently under construction at the shipyard in Stroobos.
